I received a package in the mail stating that I won a free cruise for 2 to the ramada plaza resort. The package stated, in highlighted text, that I would receive a free cruise, round trip..."no purchase necessary, no strings attached!".
I called the number and spoke to a very enthusiastic sales representative who ensured me that this wonderful trip would have no additional charges... To the $898.00 he would charge to my credit card! Because of such a large amount I questioned the agent very specifically if there would be any other charges.
He informed me that there would not be any other charges and that this message was tape recorded. I took that as my insurance and offered my credit card number.
I also asked the agent's name and he told me it was Reuben. Furthermore, I was recently engaged (at the young age of 20) and thought that this trip would be wonderful for us. I informed the agent of this and he 'upgraded' my package for me for no additional price.
Now, a few months passed until I received another call from the company. This was a woman from reservations calling to arrange a reservation with me. I was very excited. I set the date. I then asked her how I should go about getting the flight arranged.
That's when she informed me that I was responsible to pay for the travel! I was never informed of this. I told her that the ONLY reason I gave my credit card information was because I was assured, in a tape recorded message, that I would pay NO FURTHER PAYMENTS.
She then told me that the tape message is not binding, only the package which states in the fine print that travel arrangements are not paid for. I said, well that FINE PRINT contradicts what the BOLDED, HIGHLIGHTED text said "no purchases necessary".
I felt deceived, scared and angry. I was only 20 years old. That was 2 years ago. I tried to forget it all. I just decided not to go after informing the woman that I could not go. I will just lose the $898.00 and that would be my lesson learned about these things.
BUT THAT WAS NOT THE END! I got a call, 2 years later, from the carribean cruise lines. They told me that if I did not take the trip (which I cannot afford to do since I am a student nor do I have the time!) that they would charge me another$800.0 for not going!!! I cannot afford this anymore and to top it off I am no longer engaged. I am so upset that this mess is still not over!!!
It is one thing to pay the price of the trip and not be able to go with no refund, but another to pay another $800.0 for not going!? I was NEVER informed of this and THAT was not in the 'fine print'!!! I want a refund for all of this aggravation. But, if anything, I do not think that I should pay the $800.00 because there is no written information given to me on that or tape recorded mutual understanding of this.
Someone please help me!
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